A Pilot Investigation Comparing Instructional Packages for MTS Training: "Manual Alone" vs. "Manual-Plus-Computer-Aided Personalized System of Instruction"

Abstract

Matching-to-sample (MTS) training consists of presenting a stimulus as a sample followed by stimuli called comparisons from which a subject makes a choice. This study presents results of a pilot investigation comparing two packages for teach- ing university students to conduct MTS training. Two groups - control and experimental - with 2 participants in each group were used. Accuracy in conducting MTS training was assessed during baseline and post-training. During training the control group received a manual, and the experimental group received both the manual and computer-aided personalized system of instruction or CAPSI. Baseline and post-training combined scores for control and experimental groups were 72.5% and 100%, and 72.7% and 95%, respectively. Results showed that the manual and the manual-plus-CAPSI packages produced similar effects in delivering knowledge in MTS training. We suggest that future studies using a larger sample size are neces- sary. In addition, we suggest that it is necessary to test new versions of the manual and the interaction of CAPSI with other components, such as demonstration videos.